Chris Skelton

A lot of history is misperception/mangling of 'truths'! So whether the streets of Paris were ever ringing with cries of "La D-S/The goddess'' we'll never know. (And Spinach DOESN'T have lots of iron-someone misplaced a decimal point in a Table-Popeye did the rest!) And the eternal misconception that the DS suspension set-up was dodgy-it wasn't. I suspect that was a jibe from ignorant or jealous rivals in car business. Can't watch that video again or I'll start SERIOUSLY thinking about getting another! But then, I've just been looking at Tesla (Car) videos and thinking "There's a future''!

I've said THAT before, Isnut! The idea of a Lexus engine and build quality combined with a Citroen DS (or CX) body and suspension! I've had 16+ Citroens! DSs I had no problems with, the CX had electrical contact block hiccups(easily cured when you knew what it was!) The GSAs were nice. Agree re later cars. I'd have a C6 but it had problems, I was advised from those who knew. The DS handbook gave you a choice of two grades of Michelin tyre. If using the (lesser) tyre 'don't CRUISE at speeds in excess of 100mph'. Cruise! I do recall how nice it was at 80+. I'd love another CX Turbo (I had a Turbo-Auto, a 'hybrid' that Citroen never made -it was put together, from a Turbo 2 with an Auto box bolted on. Lovely-like a turbine to drive) But it'd need to be completely renovated.

More 'Reality' shows....more 'Bake-Offs.....then I can sell the Kuro (TV).

You need one of THESE.....not even a key to start it! No heater, no........thing to go wrong! http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CITROEN-HY-PICK-UP-1954-SPLIT-SCREEN/231499188555?_trksid=p2060778.c100276.m3476&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20140725133651%26meid%3D4ac947723a8f48a684e0f653805e7270%26pid%3D100276%26rk%3D4%26rkt%3D4%26mehot%3Dpp%26sd%3D321688514634

Pointy? And Rubber, so you bounce off another car when parking, rather than dent yourself! The old Traction Avant (Citroen) had spring-like front bumpers too, I recall. Not daft these guys!

You don't already (Hoody)? Or is it Kilt country? (-:

Eff. Convertibles now fetch £150K!! As to comparisons with a Lex. After years away, circa 2006,whilst owning my Mk3 LS, I borrowed a DS23 to do a friend's wedding. Felt like a truck in comparison! Though the ride comfort was-of course!! - good. Doors clunked; steering felt heavy; was slow. Of course! It was 50s technology. I guess one would get acclimatised if you owned one, but a Lex is good/great even now at 20 years old! V8 versus 2.3 4cyl? But.....I'd love one! At least I have my memories. When I started my business (Cafe) not knowing if it'd work, I hoped I might get a good stereo and a DS23 before it folded. Had both within 3 years (cafe still going 35 years later!) Can recall vividly going around dark welsh roads with those lights swinging around the bends! And floating.......

Hope you guys will forgive this. I come from a Citroen origin in cars. Here's why. I had 3, and this tempts me! though can't afford them. Puts the cost of a LS into the bargain level though!

Those side lights at the extremities of the Series 4 side lights.....are they 'running lights' in USA? Anyone reconnected them? (Though I'd guess the fittings aren't there on UK version.) With the current vogue for new cars all showing LED lights in daylight (at last, think Volvo and Saab owners?), it might be nice to fit something in there? Though....legality? I still have 'Antennae' lights that I meant to fit on my Nissan S-Cargo van-much loved, but departed 5 years back. Not sure having 'Snail antennae' on an LS is suitable though.....(-; Though my Japan-sourced Elgrand Van came with lights under the chassis! I've seen LSs with 'Parking posts' at the front corners though. A bit like Embassy Flag posts?

My reading on the DHP springs is that they were made especially for UK cars, and springs no longer available (someone broke one and mentioned he had one made). BUT.....you can fit normal Ser 4 springs, albeit it will soften the ride a little I guess-but not dangerously! In fact, I'm wondering if I should change DHP springs for 'normal' as comfort, not cornering, is my priority! (Once I get a DHP of course!) ....and there's another string on new springs recently, because I'm just looking for it! US sourced.

'avoid expensive mistakes'? Seems to me owning a car in Ireland is just such a mistake? £10K import tax? You could get a whole other car!

That's 'likelihood' Steve! (-: The other type is US slang for bonnet!-of car.

The days when you could get some deflective varnish that diffused the light so camera couldn't read it! Cheaper than 'James Bond' revolving plates? Anyway; then move on to the INTERIOR! Ain't technology wunnerful? LEDs on a flat strip!

I'd rather put polish on over it! The concept of CUTTING paint seems dodgy?

You wanted Green.....http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201503041421064/sort/default/radius/1500/usedcars/model/ls_400/saved-search-id/2c929af84a5d8fa0014a5f3540d7000b/page/1/onesearchad/used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew/make/lexus/postcode/bs110uj?logcode=p

Found on a sale post! (THIS is how to sell your LS?) 'The Lexus LS400 is one of the World's most elegant saloons. In my experience, there is quite simply nothing that matches the reliability, workmanship, comfort and value that a Lexus can give you. Lexus is not just a brand to me. It is a mind-set. They have a philosophy of doing things right, first time round, and I admire that. Lexus is still a relatively young brand considering they have only been producing cars for the past 25 years. However, as some of you may know, Lexus is the creation of Toyota and it was there aim back in the early 1970’s to create a brand that was the best of the best. The first Lexus that was launched was the LS400 back in 1989. This was the end result of nearly 20 years of research, time and thought that went into the creation of the first Lexus. There are a lot of interesting facts regarding the LS that many people are unaware of. One thing is for sure, Lexus went out of their way to create a luxury car and I will briefly explain a few out of the many reasons why. For example, during the creation of the engine for the LS400, Lexus called in Yamaha to acoustically tune the engine note of the original LS. To show how refined and well-tuned the LS400 was, as a demonstration to customers, Lexus would fill a glass of wine and place it on top of the engine. Then someone in the driver’s seat would start the car and then rev the engine, even to its peak, and throughout the process the glass of wine would simply not spill. Amazingly, Lexus still stand by this. Believe it or not, the LS’s 1UZ-FE V8 engine (the 4.0L V8) has a six-bolt main and is the only automotive engine of the era to be FAA rated. That means it’s so durable, the Federal Aviation Administration in the United States of America says you can put one in an aeroplane, no problem. And people have done it. The leather used to upholster Lexus seats is made from the hides of cows that are kept without the use of barbed wire, to ensure perfect quality. During production, the Lexus LS received more coats of paint than a Rolls Royce of the same age. In fact, Lexus paint inspectors are required to pass an examination of their skills four times a year to continue working on the line. When it comes to the smallest and finest of details, during the development of the original LS, one team member was assigned to ensure the feel of each and every button and switch was perfect. He carried around three sets of fake nails to ensure buttons were suitable for all types of customers. This was unheard of then, and still is now.'

"During production, the Lexus LS received more coats of paint than a Rolls Royce of the same age. In fact, Lexus paint inspectors are required to pass an examination of their skills four times a year to continue working on the line." From a Sale post on eBay currently!

I read elsewhere a comment that an lpg car was 'needing its tank replaced soon'. Is this part of lpg owning? Does the tank need attention? Off to look at lpg provision in Spain......

How was the ride quality on 17 inchers?

All I can add is thanks for all this info, as I'm contemplating an LPG car. P.S. That ebay bit doesn't work (pic of rust)

'Difficult' = expensive!

Does one ever get used to that colour? **** Brown? (-: Quite like the Ser 4 DHP wheels; but I come from Citroen background - even still have full set of DS23 hub caps in loft; stainless, full-covering.....wonder if I could adapt them to fit.....

Agree; but what IS the point of an RX?

A genuine DS convertible (Heuliez) will now cost you circa £150K!! Cotswold Cars did a few conversions of their own in the 70s-I bet even they would cost a few £££s. Still my favourite car-had 4. When I started my cafe in 1979, I hoped to last long enough to (go from penury to...)buy a good stereo and a DS23. Had both in 2 years......and cafe still going! But, when I borrowed a DS in 2003 to do a friend's wedding, it felt like a truck after my Lexus! But the style still catches you. Also in the Monaco clip on the Car progr, was a brief glimpse of a 'Wicker' Fiat 500 convertible that is worth a lot.

Apologies if posted before. http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2013/09/myths-and-legends-lexus-ls400/ I even agree about the 'soul' comment, though others may not? But appreciation of near-perfection is a good substitute.